Armagh and Cavan players banned for brawl

The Armagh county board are to appeal the €5,000 fine and one match suspensions of three players, arising from the mass brawl before last Sunday’s Ulster championship quarter-final victory over Cavan.

The GAA's disciplinary body - the central competitions control committee - recommended the minimum ban for five players. Cavan pair Martin Dunne and Fergal Flanagan along with Armagh trio Brendan Donaghy, Kieran Toner and Andy Mallon will all miss the next championship outing unless their hearings prove successful.

“The Armagh County Board were this afternoon informed of the decision by the CCCC after the investigation into the incident before the Ulster championship first round win over Cavan at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh,” read a statement on Armagh’s website. “Three players will receive a one game suspension, Brendan Donaghy, Kieran Toner and Andy Mallon. The CCCC have also imposed a €5000 fine.

“The county board will be appealing against the decision.”

It’s unclear whether Cavan intend to seek a hearing with the Central Hearings Committee. Dunne was injured in the melee but video evidence appears to reveal him as an aggressor.

Armagh’s next game is the Ulster semi-final against Tyrone or Monaghan on June 28th with Cavan facing Westmeath in Round 1B of the qualifiers over the same weekend.